Bunbury To New England

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 20: Teal Bunbury #9 of Sporting Kansas City gestures during the match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on June 20, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images.

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News recently broke that Sporting KC has traded forward Teal Bunbury to New England Revolution for their first round 2015 Superdraft pick in addition to allocation money. The move was announced Wednesday by Sporting KC.

"Everyone in the organization would like to thank Teal for his contributions on and off the field for Kansas City over the last four years," Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes said via the team's website, "We wish him all the best."

Over the past 94 games (including postseason), Bunbury has scored 21 goals and seven assists. In addition to his superb stats over the MLS season, he was also selected to the national team four times.

I question this move by the defending champions. While I understand the need for allocation funds, is it really good idea to trade a solid striker like Bunbury? With the rest of the east tightening up on defense, I question giving another conference rival a goal scoring weapon. I have a feeling this may come back to haunt Sporting KC. With the departure of Bunbury, a lot of the scoring pressure is going to be set on the shoulders of C.J. Sapong.

While the 25-year-old striker is a presence in the attacking third, he needs assistance. So far the best option that has emerged is 28-year-old forward Jacob Peterson. Peterson scored the lone goal that put SKC over the New York Red Bulls in their Disney Pro Soccer Classic opener. All of the forwards will need to step up to negate the absence of their missing four year veteran.

Meanwhile, New England picks up a great addition with this trade. Bunbury gives the Revolution a chance to make a stake in the east. Of course they won't be contending with Sporting KC or New York Red Bulls anytime soon. However, there is a chance that by winning key fixtures they can capture enough points to sneak into the playoffs. New England was smart to make this trade.